10 Things to do in Denver with Kids

Denver is one of the most visited places in the American West and also an ideal place to visit with family and children. With many natural attractions and an interesting cultural circuit that includes museums and different entertainment options, the capital of Colorado is a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

Some of the best things to do in Denver with kids include touring aquariums and museums, taking part in immersive experiences, exploring the city's theme parks, touring water parks and amusement parks, and visiting green spaces to relax between excursions or enjoy the natural environment.

If you want to explore the species of the marine world, booking tickets to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver will provide you with an unbeatable opportunity to participate in an underwater journey where you can meet a variety of animals from different parts of the world. From tropical fish to sharks, each one of them in their natural habitats recreated in detail, you'll find everything from tropical fish to sharks in the aquarium's tanks.

On the other hand, what sets the Downtown Aquarium apart is its focus on interactivity. Themed exhibits provide visitors with an educational experience, especially suitable for young children. Children will have the opportunity to interact with different marine species and in some cases also feed the animals.

In addition to the interactive exhibits, the aquarium hosts shows and educational programmes that highlight the importance of marine conservation. During your visit, you can participate in themed talks and discover how you can contribute to the preservation of the aquarium's vital animal ecosystems.

Booking tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most relaxing activities the city has to offer. This urban oasis is known for its natural beauty and floral landscapes, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle. Here you'll find themed gardens ranging from rose gardens to collections of Colorado native plants.

What makes the Botanical Gardens special, however, is its accessibility to the whole family, especially children. Children can enjoy areas designed especially for them, including educational play areas and interactive activities that allow them to learn about the flora of the site. In addition, the gardens offer a safe and peaceful environment for families to enjoy a quiet stroll.

The Botanical Gardens are one of the main attractions of this destination and are often included in the best Denver tours so you can visit on your own or as part of a guided tour. It's also a great place to visit between tours, as it's located in the centre of the city and close to other popular attractions.

Denver Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the region and is an ideal experience for the whole family. From lions to penguins, you'll find recreated habitats that provide an environment similar to natural ecosystems, creating an immersive experience that kids will love.

Also, during the tours you can participate in interactive experiences, such as feeding the farm animals or enjoying educational presentations that highlight the importance of species conservation. On the other hand, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will have the opportunity to get to know thematic scenarios that will allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip.

Inside this zoo you can also visit areas such as the Toyota Elephant Passage, which houses elephants and rhinos in an expansive space. In addition, the Tropical Discovery offers a walk through a lush tropical forest, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Please note that the full tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours, so if you are planning a 3-day stay in Denver or even less time and need a quicker overview, you can opt for the 1.5 hour express tour which will take you around the main sites of the zoo with the assistance of a local guide.

For one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences in Denver, you can experience the sensation of flying in the wind tunnel, which is one of the most thrilling activities in this destination and is also accessible for the whole family. This innovative entertainment centre allows you to experience freefall in a safe and controlled environment.

Suitable for all ages, the wind tunnel provides a flying experience where participants float in the air thanks to the powerful updraft generated by high-speed motors. Before the flight, you can take part in an instruction session to get to know the equipment and during the activity you will be accompanied by expert instructors. The flight is less difficult for children.

The wind tunnel flight recreation is also an indoor experience, so it's ideal if you're planning to visit Denver during the winter when temperatures tend to be inclement and indoor activities are more popular. However, it is an experience that is available all year round.

Meow Wolf Denver is one of the city's most eclectic venues and therefore also a unique destination that captivates children and adults alike. This innovative immersive art space offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience, fusing art with technology and storytelling in an extraordinary way.

Known for its Convergence Station installation, Meow Wolf Denver transports visitors through dimensional portals, allowing them to explore surreal worlds and discover mysterious stories around every corner. It has also become one of the best places to visit with kids in Denver because of its dynamic approach, colourful environments, secret passageways and rooms filled with bright lights.

Every corner of Meow Wolf Denver is designed to inspire creativity and encourage exploration. You can touch and engage with the changing installations, which are constantly changing with temporary exhibits and events.

Catch a glimpse of the Nuggets

The site is located in one of the busiest areas of the city, very close to Larimer Square and Ball Center Stadium, where you can catch an NBA Nuggets game, making it an ideal experience to combine with other activities available in this destination.

The Museum of Nature and Science is one of Denver's cultural epicentres and a place that combines the study of the natural world with a fascination with scientific advances. Located in the heart of the city, this museum offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibits take you on a journey from the history of the earth to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

Inside the museum you'll find paleontological galleries that include dinosaur fossils and in the astronomy halls you'll have access to the planetarium telescopes, making it one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

The museum also houses interactive exhibits that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about different scientific concepts. From recreations of natural ecosystems to live demonstrations, the Museum of Nature and Science provides a variety of immersive experiences.

The museum also has activities designed especially for children. Educational play areas, hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits allow children of all ages to explore science in a fun and engaging way.

The Denver Art Museum not only offers a rich collection of artwork and is one of the best in the city, but also invites visitors to immerse themselves in interactive experiences that enrich their connection to the art world. Through temporary exhibitions, the gallery encourages active public participation by offering a dynamic and immersive experience in the art world.

These interactive exhibitions often include installations that allow visitors to physically engage with the artwork, creating a unique connection between the viewer and the art piece. In this way, visitors can contribute to the creation of a collective work or explore the space in a tactile, multi-sensory way. This transformative approach seeks to break down traditional barriers between the viewer and the artwork in a participatory challenge.

Even during permanent exhibitions, the Denver Art Museum presents a wide range of styles and periods, from contemporary art to classical pieces from diverse cultures and historical periods. This will give you a complete overview of the vast world of art and allow you to enjoy family-friendly activities that will also keep the little ones entertained.

This museum is also located in the centre of the city, so you can visit it as part of some of the best Denver tours, which often include a stop here.

If you're planning to visit Denver with the youngest members of the family, you can't miss the Marsico Campus Children's Museum, a magical space designed to stimulate the imagination and creativity of visitors.

This interactive museum presents itself as a dynamic space where children can not only learn, but also actively participate in a variety of educational and playful activities. Created to inspire from learning, the museum offers children the opportunity to explore, experiment and discover in a fun way.

In addition, this exhibition presents a series of interactive exhibits covering topics such as science, technology, art and culture. Children can discover a world of hands-on games that encourage creative thinking. From scientific simulations to themed play spaces, this museum gives its illustrious visitors the freedom to explore and learn through action.

There is also a scale replica of a city where children have the opportunity to play roles ranging from firefighters to doctors, encouraging role-play and collaboration. In addition, the museum organises events and educational programmes that often offer activities for the whole family.

One of the best things to do in Denver with kids is to book tickets to Elitch Gardens, a theme park that offers an experience that combines the adrenaline rush of rides with the beauty of a lush garden, creating a unique environment for the whole family to enjoy.

A visit to Elitch Gardens also includes famous roller coasters such as the iconic Twister II and Mind Eraser. In addition, the park offers rides in the Kiddieland themed areas, where you'll find rides and attractions designed specifically for children, ensuring a safe and controlled experience for the little ones.

Keep in mind that this park not only stands out for its rides, but also for its live shows, special events and its water pool that will allow you to cool off if you are planning to visit Denver during the summer. In addition, the green surroundings and picnic areas create a relaxed atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a day outdoors without too much hassle.

Lakeside Amusement Park is an iconic site offering retro charm and thrilling attractions. This park, with over a century of history, offers a classic amusement park experience with a mix of nostalgia and contemporary fun. Visitors will discover a lively and colourful atmosphere that evokes the essence of traditional amusement parks.

The park has rides for all ages, ranging from the popular roller coasters to the iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Rhoda Lake. For the little ones, the children's play area and attractions provide age-appropriate opportunities for fun, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a day of entertainment.

On the other hand, the Lakeside experience goes beyond the rides, as the park also features dining options and picnic areas to enjoy outdoor snacks and meals. In addition, special events, concerts and themed activities during certain times of the year add extra alternatives to your visit, especially if you plan to tour Denver during the summer.

Lakeside is located just outside of the city, so it offers an ideal opportunity to combine your visit with some of the best excursions to do from Denver, such as visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or discovering Pikes Peak, which is one of the highest points in Colorado.